When “That’s So Gay” Is Not OK: Trends in Adolescents’ Homophobic Attitudes and Behaviors Over Time

• In Event: Does It Get Better? The Climate for LGBT People in Schools and Communities Over Time

Abstract

Schools are fertile ground for reinforcing heteronormativity and promoting homophobia (Kehily, 2002), resulting in a hostile climate for many lesbian and gay youth. In addition to institutional heterosexism and exclusionary policies and practices, lesbian and gay youth often face mistreatment from their peers, whether through bullying, discrimination, or exclusion (Berlan et al., 2010; Kosciw et al., 2012).

Prior research has examined the development and dimensions of homophobia among adolescents who may perpetrate this mistreatment (Hienze & Horn, 2009; Poteat, 2007), and some research suggests that homophobia may dissipate as youth age into older adolescence (Horn, 2006; Robinson et al., 2013). But to date, there is little known about how these adolescent attitudes have or have not changed throughout the years.

Research indicates that adult public opinion about gay and lesbian issues has become more positive over time (Andersen & Fetner, 2008; Pew Research Center, 2013). However, there remains a dearth of research on trends regarding attitudes among youth. Yet, while a robust literature has demonstrated that lesbian and gay youth often face hostile treatment by their peers, recent research suggests that conditions might be improving (Kosciw et al, 2012; Robinson et al., 2013). This current paper addresses a gap in the literature by documenting the potential corresponding trends among heterosexual adolescents by assessing changes in their homophobic attitudes and behaviors over time.

Data come from four cross-sectional waves (2008, 2009, 2011, 2012) of surveys conducted by a national polling firm of national samples of heterosexual 13-17 year-old students. Approximately 1,000 students were surveyed in each wave, resulting in a total of 4,082 students in the sample.
Outcome variables assessed included students’ own attitudes and behaviors regarding homophobic language (e.g., beliefs about the potential harm of using the word “gay” in a negative way, frequency of using homophobic slurs such as “fag” or “dyke” ), as well as students’ reports of their peers’ attitudes and behaviors. Changes over time were assessed through a series of Multiple Analysis of Covariance (MANCOVAs), with relevant demographic variables as covariates (e.g., gender, race, age). Results indicated that attitudes and behaviors shifted significantly (p<.001) such that over time fewer adolescents thought it was acceptable to use homophobic language and fewer adolescents reported their peers using such language and using that language themselves. In addition, there were no changes regarding other types of biased language, indicating that the changes around homophobic language were not merely due to historical effects.
Findings from this study echo similar public opinion research regarding more positive attitudes towards gays and lesbians and provide some explanation for improved experiences for gay and lesbian youth. It appears that over time, adolescents, like their adult counterparts, have decreased in their homophobia – both in their attitudes and their outward expression. Further research should examine possible factors contributing to these changes, such as interpersonal contact with gays and lesbians, shifting social norms regarding homosexuality, or the increase of in-school resources designed to combat homophobia (e.g., Gay-Straight Alliances).

Authors

• Emily Greytak, GLSEN

• Joseph G. Kosciw, Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network

• Sheri Klein